What to Look for in a Home if You Love Entertaining Outdoors

By Sold Realty Group

If you’re the type who can’t wait to fire up the grill, mix up margaritas, or simply enjoy long Arizona evenings on the patio with friends—then buying a home that makes outdoor living easy isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential.

At Sold Realty Group, we work with many clients whose top priority isn’t just the kitchen or the living room—it’s the backyard oasis. But not all outdoor spaces are created equal. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a home that can become your dream entertaining retreat.

🌞 1. A Great Patio or Covered Area

In Arizona, shade is everything. A home with a covered patio, pergola, or extended awning means you can comfortably entertain even during midday sun.

• Look for sturdy construction (stucco or aluminum with integrated lighting or fans).

• Bonus: homes with pre-wired speakers or TV mounts take your gatherings to the next level.

• Consider orientation: east- or north-facing patios stay cooler in summer afternoons.

✅ Pro Tip: Walk out there at the time you’d normally entertain (like 5-7pm). See how the sun hits—so you know if you’ll be basking in golden hour or squinting into blinding light.

🔥 2. An Outdoor Kitchen or Space to Build One

Imagine not having to run inside every few minutes to check the stove. An outdoor kitchen setup—whether it’s a built-in BBQ with counter space, a mini fridge, or even just gas stub-outs ready for your dream grill—lets you stay part of the party.

• Some homes come with fully plumbed BBQ islands.

• Others may simply have a large, level patio ready for you to install your own setup.

✅ Pro Tip: Look for nearby electrical outlets and a gas line already run—this can save thousands versus retrofitting later.

💦 3. A Pool (or at Least Room for One)

If your gatherings tend to revolve around pool parties, obviously a home with an existing pool is ideal.

• Check the pool’s age and condition—older pools may need resurfacing.

• Look for safe fencing or automatic covers if kids are in the picture.

No pool yet?

• See if there’s a big, flat section of yard with clear access from the street for construction.

• Ask about any existing easements or sewer lines that might complicate digging.

✅ Bonus: Even if you don’t add a pool, a spacious turf area is great for games, cornhole, or an outdoor movie screen.

✨ 4. Beautiful Lighting & Hardscaping

Nothing kills an evening gathering faster than poor lighting.

• Look for homes with built-in landscape lighting, patio sconces, or even string light posts.

• Hardscaping—like pavers, fire pits, or seating walls—makes the space inviting and ready to use right away.

✅ Pro Insight: Stone or paver patios look elegant and stay cooler than plain concrete.

🌳 5. Privacy Features

You’ll enjoy your backyard so much more if it feels private.

• Look for block fencing (common in Arizona) vs. wood or chain link.

• Mature trees, tall shrubs, or even decorative screens can make a huge difference.

✅ Tip: Stand at the far end of the yard and look back at the house. Is there room for string lights, a pergola, or privacy landscaping? That can transform even a plain yard.

🔊 6. Flow from Indoors to Outdoors

Some homes are perfectly set up for seamless entertaining: sliding or accordion glass doors, wide patios, and kitchen windows that open to the outside.

• Open floor plans that spill onto the patio make it easy for guests to drift between spaces.

• Homes with large windows also give you a great view of the yard, keeping the party connected even if you step inside.

✅ Watch out: Tiny sliding doors or awkward access (like a single side door from the laundry room) might limit how comfortably people move between inside and out.

🍹 7. Room for Outdoor Extras

Think about your signature style of entertaining. Do you need…

• A built-in fire pit for chilly nights?

• Space for a long dining table under the stars?

• A spot for a hot tub, projector screen, or putting green?

• Or even side yards wide enough for an herb garden, smoker, or dog run?

Look at the yard with your gatherings in mind—because blank space is easier to fill than trying to redo cramped or oddly shaped corners.

🏡 Final Thoughts: It’s More Than a Backyard—It’s a Lifestyle

The best part of Arizona living is being able to use your outdoor space almost year-round. If entertaining is a huge part of your life, don’t compromise on a home that makes it feel like an afterthought.

At Sold Realty Group, we specialize in helping buyers find homes that fit their lifestyle—whether that’s sunset dinner parties, pool volleyball, or simply grilling with neighbors on the weekends. We know what to look for (and what might be expensive to fix later) so your future gatherings are all fun, no headaches.

🎯 Ready to Find Your Dream Entertainer’s Backyard?

Let us show you homes that check all the right boxes, from stunning covered patios to private courtyards ready for your first barbecue.

📞 Schedule a personalized home tour with Sold Realty Group today.

✨ Your perfect outdoor oasis is out there—we’ll help you find it.